DACTARI: Frequently asked questions
What is the DACTARI scheme?
The Dog and Cat Travel and Risk Information scheme (DACTARI) is a national
voluntary reporting scheme to investigate the occurrence of exotic diseases
in dogs and cats in England, Wales and Scotland.
Private veterinarians are invited to report to Defra any suspected or
diagnosed cases of exotic diseases in dogs and cats using an official
report form. Pet owners should liase with their veterinarians to report
diseased animals where applicable.
What is an exotic disease?
An exotic disease is one that does not normally occur in Great Britain (GB).
What does the scheme cover?
The scheme covers all exotic diseases in dogs and cats in GB. These dogs and cats may be those that were born in GB and have lived here ever since, or those entering the country from abroad, either through the Pet Travel Scheme, or through quarantine.
While the scope of the scheme includes all exotic diseases, the four most likely to occur are listed on the form. Case definitions for these four diseases are given on the back of the report form.
What are the aims of the scheme?
The aims of the scheme are to:
- Record and collate all diagnoses or suspicions of exotic disease in dogs and cats in GB.
- Identify which exotic diseases are diagnosed or suspected.
- Compare the numbers of exotic disease cases suspected or diagnosed in dogs and cats of different origins, i.e. disease contracted in GB or abroad.
Why should I get involved?
Because you will be helping to improve scientific knowledge of diseases that may affect dogs, cats and people.
What should pet owners report to their vet?
You should report any unusual symptoms in your dog or cat. In addition,
please tell your vet if your animal has recently entered or returned to
Britain from abroad and say which country/ies it has been in.
Please remind your vet of this scheme and ask him or her to complete an
official report form for your animal.
What should veterinarians report to defra?
You should report any suspect or confirmed exotic disease in a dog or cat. If more than one exotic disease is suspected or confirmed, all should be recorded by ticking the appropriate boxes. Where laboratory tests are used to support the clinical diagnosis this information should also be recorded. Please complete the form as fully as possible.
Optional additional information includes the pet's country of origin,
details of diagnostic techniques, follow up tests, etc. These may be submitted
by using the continuation sheet in the reporting form if necessary.
If further information is obtained after the initial report (eg further
test results), a separate report should be submitted, ticking the 'follow
up' box. This will enable us to cross reference it with previous report(s)
Where can veterinarians obtain the form?
The forms are available either from the local Animal Health Office, or can be accessed from the Defra, British Veterinary Association (BVA) or British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) websites. They may be completed electronically or manually, and returned to addresses specified on the form. If mailed, please do not hesitate to use our free post address.
What will happen to the information provided?
Any personal data supplied on this form will be protected in accordance with the Data Protection Act. The information will be used for research and statistical purposes connected with the protection of animal and human health. Information about individuals will only be used to produce aggregated data for these purposes.
How can I access the results?
Results are published on the Defra website at regular intervals. Information on the Scheme will also continue to be available through the professional and lay press.
Page last modified:
3 October 2005